Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of German Chocolate Cake, layered with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting and optional chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- 1 cup evaporated milk (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
- 3 large egg yolks (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (for frosting)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, oil, and vanilla.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in hot water or coffee until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, sugars, egg yolks, and butter for the coconut-pecan frosting. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and pecans. Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the coconut-pecan frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and spread remaining frosting on top.
- If using ganache, drizzle over the cake for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- For a richer cake, use brewed coffee instead of water.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg